The Algarve is an exceptional destination for cycle tourism. The stunning landscapes, smooth roads and fantastic gastronomy make for wonderful experiences on two wheels. The Portuguese are generous people who will go out of their way to make your time special.
This 4-day tour is a fabulous introduction to the Algarve, encompassing some of our favourite places on the coast and inland. Its designed for strong riders who are competent climbers.
You will stay in great 3-4* hotels and eat in traditional restaurants serving local dishes and wine, because we believe in supporting local businesses whenever possible. The main aim of our tours is to give our clients a glimpse of real Portugal. And this one will be no exception.
For any questions at all, don't hesitate to reach out us at bookings@paradise-cycling.com.
Fiona (Director) and Grace (Self-guided tour manager)
Bem vindo a Portugal!
We will meet you in the arrivals area at Faro airport. You will then be transferred, with your luggage, to Tavira, a 45 minute drive away. If you have ordered bike hire, we will ensure that these are set up and ready at the hotel.
Tavira is a charming fishing town with an authentic old centre which you must explore. In the afternoon you might have the time for an easy spin to check the bikes and discover the area.
You could also take a boat from the marina to Tavira Island, a paradise of sandy beaches and turquoise waters. You might even see a flamingo from the boat.
This fabulous hotel has a great rooftop bar, delicious buffet and plenty of space to store bikes!
Restaurant in town
This morning you will head straight into the heart of the Serra do Caldeirão, north of Tavira. As you climb, light scrub and woodland give way to to dense forests of eucalyptus and cork oak. The air is cool and deliciously fresh.
You will be rewarded with a glorious descent to Loulé, a typical Algarve town with a great vibe, and a fab selection of bars and restaurants.
Duration
83km, 1511m+
35km - Portela da Corcha
56km - Cachopo
This a fantastic rural guesthouse is typical of the interior and full of Portuguese character. You will find local produce in the handicraft shop and wine cellar, and local food in the restaurant next door.
We are good friends with the owners - they will take great care of you!
Casa dos Presuntos restaurant
Today you really are in the heart of the Algarve and even into the Alentejo! This ride takes in some of the best countryside in the region to Almodovar for lunch, on winding small backroads, through small villages with beautiful views.
You will finish the day in Alte, a traditional hillside village with sea views and tiny cobbled streets. You will love this village. Be sure to stop at Germano's bike cafe when you arrive for a coffee, cake or a beer!
Duration
89km, 1200m+
50km - Almodovar
80km - Malhão
This boutique guesthouse is stylish and comfortable. An evening in the hot tub as the sun sets over the whitewashed walls of the village is one you will not forget!
Local restaurant
This is a fantastic long ride with plenty to see on the way. You will pass Messines (stop at Divina Docura for an coffee and pastel the nata) then past the Barragem do Funcho and into Silves, the ancient capital of the Algarve.
From here it's down to the coast at Carvoiero and onto Olhos d'Agua.
You will finish at Qunita do Mel, a beautiful farm hotel. Nearby is Praia de Falesia, a stunning stretch of beach with red and gold cliffs. Take a walk here as the sun goes down.
Duration
124km, 581m+
24km - Messines
44km - Silves
61km - Carvoeiro
108km - Paderne
Farm-to-table restuarant at the hotel
This ride will take in all the classic roads that the locals love in the heart of the Algarve. You will pass by Alte (stop at Germano of course) and then all the way up towards Barranco and down the descent via Javali. You will love this last beautiful day of riding here!
Duration
78km, 1200m+
22km - Alte
47km - Barranco
This beautiful hotel is perfectly situated on a quiet square in the centre of town. The interior is airy and green, and the rooftop pool is an added bonus.
Loule has a range of amazing restaurants to choose from.
We will be sad to see you leave!
We will take you to Faro Airport in time for your flight.
Até a proxima...
The Algarve offers a wonderful climate for cycling most of the year around. Spring flowers in April, May and June are stunning, and September and October are also fantastic times to ride, with pleasant, settled conditions.
It is possible to get some rain in the early parts of the year (Feb-April) however this doesn’t usually last too long. Many people would find July and August rather hot to be cycling, unless you are already acclimatised.
With an average of 85km per day and 1250m of ascent, this tour is designed for competent road cyclists with a strong level of fitness. And whilst Algarve is not flat, the roads are an absolute joy to ride and its absolutely worth it for the descents and the views.
We will recommend a restaurant each evening and cafes en route for you.
We support small, local cafes and restaurants, eating where we can ‘how the locals do’. The food in interior Portugal is often more simple than on the Algarve coast, with menus regularly changing with the region and season.
All dietary requirements will be happily catered for – just let us know what you require, or what your likes or dislikes are and we will adapt our recommendations.
If you book a self-guided tour, we are always on the end of the phone. This means that if you need mechanical support, want to change a booking, or anything else which may crop up on the road, our friendly (bilingual!) team are here to help
Please note that due to availability, accommodation may vary from the hotels listed above.
Depending on your group size, we may be able to offer you a choice of hotels. Where possible we will do our best to accommodate you in small, traditional hotels and guesthouses where you will enjoy a truly unique experience each night.
Bike*
Inner tube, hand pump, levers, multitool*
Pedals
Helmet
Cycling shoes
Powermeter/Di2/Sram batteries/Garmin chargers as appropriate*
Sunglasses (including clear lenses if you have them)
Cycling gloves (depending on season)
Cycling rain jacket
Saddle (All of our hire bikes are equipped with a saddle, of course. However, we recommend that you bring your own if it is comfortable for you rather than spending a week sitting on a saddle that may not be suitable for you.)
Suitcase (see below)
Bib shorts, jersey, gilet, socks- minimum 4 sets.
Arm/leg warmers
Rain/wind vest
Base-layer (depending on season)
Chamois Cream
Rear bike light + chargers
Water bottles x 2 (we have bottles available to purchase).
Garmin/Wahoo and mount
Energy bars/snacks that you particularly like!
Regular clothes and light jacket or jumper for evening
Swimsuit (many of the hotels have pools or spa)
Evening shoes / sandals
Passport (Check expiry date)
Travel Insurance
Sun protection
USB charger
First aid kit
Toiletries
Cellphone and charger
Id or passport
Credit/debit card
Medications and prescriptions
Power adapter
Ear plugs / eye mask
Powerbank
If possible, bringing a hard-cased suitcase would help protect your belongings during the luggage transfers.
* If you have hired a bike you can ignore these items.
LOW SEASON (Dec, Jan, Feb)
1-2 people €862pp
3-5 people €750pp
6-11 people €675pp
Single Supplement €110/night pp extra
MEDIUM SEASON (Mar, April, Oct, Nov)
1-2 people €1035pp
3-5 people €900pp
6-11 people €810pp
Single Supplement €130/night pp extra
HIGH SEASON (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept)
1-2 people €1265pp
3-5 people €1100pp
6-11 people €990pp
Single Supplement €150/night pp extra
Airport transfers from Faro
5 nights bike friendly accommodation
Buffet breakfast each day
Restaurant reservations each evening
Detailed route planning (customised to group), GPX files given in advance plus itinerary
Secure large luggage storage (bike boxes for example) throughout
Civil Liability Insurance
Telephone support whenever you should need it with a dedicated member of our team.
5 star Service – our promise
Dinner, lunch and coffees bought at cafes en route
Flights
Transfers from airports other than Faro
Bike rental - see below
Luggage transfers - see below
Other costs not listed above
Luggage transfers + mechanical support vehicle (€300/group per riding day)
Luggage transfers (€110/group per riding day for groups up to 5)
Luggage transfers (€150/group per riding day for groups 6+)
Guide (€160 per guide per riding day)
We have a range of rental bikes to suit different styles and budgets, including e-bikes. Below are a few examples. For full details and prices, see our website.
Megamo Pulse. Shimano 105 Di2. 12 speed.
Pinarello X. SRAM Rival AXS. 12 speed.
Pinarello. Shimano Ultegra. 11 speed.
Megamo e-Road. Bosch 800wh.
Upright step-through Ladies E-Hybrid
Our bike rental partners are scaled to support large group, of 40+ riders.
Fiona (Founder) and Tomás (Tour Manager)
Sarah (Tour Manager) and Grace (Self-Guided Tour Manager)
Paradise Cycling Tours Unipessoal LDA
Bairro da Boavista 6
8100-016 Alte
Portugal
NIPC 517913704
RNVAT 11760
Contact:
Fiona Hunter Johnston +351 931325694
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